USA > Iowa > Polk County > Des Moines > Des Moines and Polk County, Iowa, City Directory 1882-3 > Part 4
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PORK PACKING
.. Des Moines ranks with the leading cities of the west, in the busi- ness of packing pork, and being situated in the center of the hog raising country, and possessed of such superior advantages for ship- ment, the facilities for the prosecution of this important business are unrivalled. During the past year their business amounted to $2,568,- 000, and their immense ice houses are now filled with ice preparatory to the continuance of business during the warm season.
LUMBER TRADE.
The rapid settlement of Iowa, especially of the newer: portions in the western and northwestern parts, and also the great mining inter- ests of the state, necessarily create an extensive demand for lumber, and the advantages afforded by Des Moines, as a commercial center by her unrivalled facilities for shipment, make it especially conven- ient and profitable as a lumber market. \We have four of the most extensive lumber firms in the west engaged in the business in Des Moines, whose business connections extend not only throughout Iowa, but the western and southern states, and they are constantly increasing the scope of their operations, and opening new field's in various parts of the country.
WHOLESALE GROCERS.
There is probably no more important branch of commerce in the country! than the trade in groceries giving employment to large numbers of persons, and representing immense capital. The magni- tude and extent of the business operations of our wholesale grocery
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houses, of which we have five, renders this an important feature of the mercantile activity which characterizes Des Moines.The amount of their business last year was 82,225,000.
WHOLESALE FURNITURE.
The growth of this western country caused by the building of rail- roads, by immigration, by the establishment of manufacturing and other important enterprises, creates a steady demand for all, classes of furniture, which can be purchased in Des Moines as cheap, as from eastern houses. The wholesale houses dealing in furniture are so prosperous that although they now occupy large buildings, the erec- ``tion this spring of another building five stories in height to accommo- date the increasing business, is contemplated,
WHOLESALE MILLINENY.
This branch of wholesale trade has three large representatives in our city, whose business extends not only throughout lowa, but all the adjacent states. These firms are composed of energetic, practical business men, and their business; in common with other wholesale interests of the 1
city is constantly enlarging.
WHOLESALE NOTIONS.
Perhaps there is no term applied to a business or industry, which is so peculiarly American as that of "Yankee Notions," and while it would be almost impossible to enumerate the various articles which come under this designation, it includes an almost unlimited variety, which are essential in some way to every productive enterprise and every household. These must have their supply from our important jobbing and manufacturing centers, and hence it is that we find four extensive establishments in Des Moines engaged in supplying. the demand for this class of goods.
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WHOLESALE DRUGGISTS
The magnitude and importance of the wholesale drug trade is not generally appreciated by those not directly connected with the busi- ness. In this city three houses are engaged in this business, presided over by men of keen perceptions, and excellent judgment, combined. with long experience in the handling of drugs and chemicals, and the stock they carry is so full and complete that they are enabled to fill orders of a large and varied description without delay. 1
WHOLESALE BOOTS AND SHOES.
As a source of supply for the article of boots and shoes suited to
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the markets, this city occupies a conspicuous position, and attracts dealers from all parts of the northwest. .. Three houses are engaged in supplying the wholesale demand for this class of goods, and with am- ple capital to meet all requirements, this business is destined to a con- stant increase of trade, thus contributing largely to the credit of Des Moines as a base of supplies.
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WHOLESALE SADDLERY AND LEATHER. -
i While Des Moines has been making unparalleled strides during the past few years; the wholesale houses engaged in the sale of leath- er and saddlery goods, of which there are three, have kept pace with the rapid advancement, and are a credit to the city. The goods they handle are unsurpassed in the northwest, and give entire satig. : faction.
WHOLESALE SEEDS.
Two houses deal exclusively in all varieties of farin, garden and flower seeds, and as they raise their seeds in this vicinity, they are able to warrant them to be strictly pure in quality and true to name. Several of our agricultural implement houses, also wholesale farm and garden seeds, and the trade in this class of goods reaches through out a large extent of territory!'
AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENTS-JVHOLESALE.
The production of agricultural machinery has made wonderful rey olutions in farming, every farm being now supplied to a greater or less extent, with these essentials, and Des Moines has located within her midst four enterprising business houses, who wholesale this class of goods. The new territory opened to this market by the construd- tion of new railroads, and the extension of numerous feeders to exist- ing lines, together with an unparalleled tide of immigration, produo- tive of extensive development and cultivation of new lands, insures a greater demand for agricultural machinery than ever before.
WHOLESALE JEWELRY.
We have but one house which is devoted exclusively to wholesale 1 jewelry, but this is undoubtedly the largest and most complete estab- lishment of this kind in the state, and one which will compare favor. ably with the leading jewelry houses of the country. They import goods direct from European markets, and are enabled to please the most fastidious.
ICE COMPANIES.
Immense quantities of ice are consumed in the city during the
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warm season, and this is furnished by two companies, in addition to which they also ship large quantities to other cities. Thousands of tons are also put up by the pork packers, browers and other large consumers. Fortunately for the health of the city, the ice is taken from the two rivers here, and is clear and pure. . TRANSFER COMPANIES.
Five large and well disciplined transfer companies handle the im- mense amounts of freight to and from the manufactories and business houses and the depots, doing a general freight and transfer business.
No better line of omnibuses can be found in any part of the coun- try than in our city. They are always at the depots at the arrival and departure of trains, day or night, to take passengers to any part of the city. | They have kept pace with the city's progress in furnish- ing transportation accommodations for all occasions.
NEWSPAPERS.
Des Moines is especially favored with progressive newspapers, and to its live, enterprising newspaper fraternity the city owes much for its present prosperity. Perhaps in no department of business has more rapid progress been made than in that of journalism, which is a sure indicator of the intelligence and progressive spirit of a people. The press is a potent agency in Des Moines, and is earnestly and intelligently at work to promote the best interests of the city. There are now three daily papers, ones semi-weekly, ten weekly papers, and six monthlies published in the city. They are edited with ability, and with a just appreciation of the prominent position they occupy as public educators. The following is the list of papers published here: Iowa State Register, daily and weekly; Iowa State Leader, daily and weekly; Des Moines News, daily; State Journal, semi-weekly; Iowa Homestead, weekly; Iowa Capital, weekly; Staats Anzeiger, weekly; Plain Talk, weekly; Saturday Evening Mail Car, weekly; Iowa State Tribune, weekly; Western Jurist, monthly; The Analyst, monthly; and the Des Moines Railway Gazette, monthly; Palm Tree, Grand Army Advocate, monthly; Western Pulpit and Peto, monthly Western Farm and Stock Journal, monthly. The West- ern' Newspaper Union, auxiliary publishers of Iowa and Nebraska weekly papers.
POST OFFICE.
The United States Court House and Post Office is a fine structure
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built of Joliet stone, three stories and basement, at an expense of $206, 000, and is occupied by the post office department, the United States Courts, and all United States officers residing here. This building is noted as a model post office in every detail, and although the amount of business transacted here is very large, yet so systematically and efficiently is the work of transmitting the mails conducted, that it leaves no cause for complaint. The following figures show the amount of business transacted here in 1881: gross revenue $55,157.54, office - : expenses 89,733.58; expenses of free delivery $6.997.14; total ex-
penses $16,730.72, leaving a net revenue of 838,426.82. -
BANKS. -
A commercial city is always to a great degree dependent upon its banking facilities, which, in Des Moines, are amply supplied by seven banks of undoubted financial stability; and the wisdom of whose management has been endorsed by success. , The banking capital was increased 8500,000 last year. The stockholders are among our best business men, of undoubted integrity and, careful and prudent business management. The following is the list of banks: Citizens National, Iowa National, Valley Bank, Des Moines National, Des Moines Bank, Capital City, and Merchants National.
LOAN ASSOCIATIONS.
There are three of these associations in our city, which loan hot only the surplus money of pur capitalists, but also of Eastern corpo- rations. Money can be obtained at a low rate of interest. These associations are included with the banks among the solid financial in. stitutions of our city!
BUILDING ASSOCIATIONS.
There are five first-class loan and building associations in Des Moines, all of which have rendered valuable assistance in building up our city. The object of these organizations is to aid any of their stockholders in their efforts to secure a home, by lending money to them at a low rate of interest, to be paid in weekly, monthly or year- ly installments. The money is loaned only to stockholders. There are hundreds in Des Moines to day dwelling in their own homes, who, but for these institutions, might not be thus fortunate.
REAL ESTATE.
The transactions in real estate during the year assumed large pro- portions. City property is in good demand and large operations in real estate for manufacturing purposes, etc., are recorded. There are
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numberless inviting locatione surrounded by native groves, overlook- ing beautiful scenery, or the business portions of the city, for resi- dences; and lots, though in great demand, can be obtained at reason- able rates in a desirable location for business or manufacturing pur- doses.
The transactions by months are given here below, for 1881:
January
$ 148,204 !
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February.
1 9,610
August.
236,149
March.
2 5.780
September
156,369
April.
8.1,869
October
162,797
212,720
November
184.283
Jude
292,300
. December 184,249
$2,626,816
Total
TAXATION.
The rate of taxation on real estate, on the cash valuation was 2.2 per cent for 1881.
HOME INSURANCE COMPANIES.
The position occupied by the home insurance companies of Des Moines is such that in describing the commercial, manufacturing and financial advantages of the city, it would be impossible to omit men-[ tion of these institutions, which have contributed so largely to the solvency and solidity of our mercantile enterprises, affording that protection and security, guaranteed only by the most reliable organ- izations of this character. The older companies, the Hawkeye and State (fire) and the Equity ble (life) are particularly deserving of mention, having done much for Des Moines, and as their settlements have been promptly and liberally made, the utmost confidence on the part of the public has been established! |More recent organizations 1
are the Guaranty, the Western Mutual Aid Society, the Iowa Mutual Benefit Association (life) and the Des Moines Insurance Company (lightning and tornado), all of which are doing algood business, and . are worthy of the confidence and patronage of the public. HOTELS.
There is nothing which adds more to the prestige of a city than first class hotel accommodations, and in this respect it may be; said with pride that Des Moines can justly claim eminent superiority over any city in the state.
Our hotels are noted for their excellence in all those essentials which pertains to first class accommodations. The lo- cations, accessibility, and general management have brought them a reputation second to none in the state. Their tables present the very best viands the market affords, served in unexceptionable style. But at the present time when a large percentage of the business men of the
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'July.
262,357
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country reside temporarily or permanently in hotels, and when the largest and best buildings in the larger' cities are devoted to the en- tertainment of the traveling public, it is necessary for every smaller city to see that sufficient hotel accommodations are provided for all probable visitors, and while our hotel facilities are excellent, they are no more than we need for our daily business, and it often occurs dur- ing the year, when state meetings of various organizations are held here, that our hotels are unable to properly accommodate all who. . come .:. And this need is becoming more and more imperative with the increasing demand caused by the growth of business in our city. The following are the leading hotels of Des Moines: The Aborn, Kirk wood, Morgan, Sabin, Capital City, Gault, Given, International, Fan- ning and Monitor Houses.
DES MOINES AS A HOME.
As a place of residence, Des Moines is alike desirable to the cap- italist and the artisan. The rude cabins of the pioneers have been replaced by elegant homes where culture and refinement keep pace with the ever advancing tide. After admiring the splendid mansions of the wealthy, and the handsome homes of the well-to-do, the visitor will contemplate with pleasure the homes of the mechanic, the clerk, the young business man and the laborer, miles of streets being lined with neat cottages and small houses, each surrounded by a small plat of ground, and most of them owned by their occupants. Des Moines offers many attractions to delight a cultivated mind, and claims, to have those civilizing elements, which tend to develop the moral and intellectual nature, as well as those pertaining to physical comfort. Our educational advantages are excellent, and include three fine col- leges, ten public and several private schools, besides business colleges, and music schools. Our churches number thirty-two, most of them having elegant and commodious edifices of worship. In regard to amusements, the city is well provided, having three fine opera houses. for lectures, concerts, operas and theaters, with elegant auditoriums capable of seating over 5,000 persons. We have an exhilarating at- mosphere, conducive to health and vigor, and our climate is produc- tive of energy and enthusiasm, while the general healthfulness of the city is a noticeable feature of its attractiveness. An eminent writer has said, "Cities have always been the fire-places of civilization, whence light and heat radiated out into the cold dark world, and the union of men in large masses is indispensable to the growth and de- velopment of mankind." Des Moines 'has become a hearth from
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which intellectual and commercial light and warmth radiate in ever increasing circles, In all the elements, material, social, educational, and otherwise, the city was never more prosperous, and we invite all to come and share our benefits.
CHURCHES.
Des Moines is a city of churches, a fact which bespeaks for its residents a high moral condition of society, and an appreciation of the benign influences exerted by them. Most of the congregations 1 are strong in members, wealth and influence, and have edifices of worship which are architectural adoruments, and add in no small de- gree to the beauty of the city.
The following are the names and numbers of the church societies: Baptist, three, Methodist Episcopal, five; Presbyterian, three; Con- gregaticgal,one; Church of Christ, one; Friends, one; Evangelical, two; Lutheran, four; . Catholic, two; Episcopal, one; United Presbyterian, one; United Brethren, one; Unitarian, one; Hebrew Synagogue, one; Methodist Protestant, two; Gospel Temperance Mission, one.
COLLEGES AND PUBLIC SCHOOLS. UNIVERSITY OF DES MOINES.
This is the oldest of our colleges- was established a number of years ago by lowa Baptists, who determined to found at the capital "of the State, an institution adequate to their increasing needs com- mensurate with the greatness of the city and State, This school is located in the northwestern part of the city, on an eminence command- 'ing.an
extended and beautiful view of the city and its surroundings, A full collegiate curriculum is maintained, and it aims to keep pace 1 with 'the scientific methods of modern instruction, and its graduates will compare favorably with the alumni of many eastern colleges. Its corps of instructors is energetic and ambitious, and fully alive to the demands of the state and the age.
CALLANAN, COLLEGE.
This school was established here through the liberality of Mr. James Callanan, who gave for the purpose $20,000, while other citi- zens also contributed liberally.
The College aims chiefly to afford a liberal education to young. ladies, and the boarding department is restricted to them, but it also prepares young gentlemen for college or business. It is thoroughly
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christian, but entirely undenominational. It occupies central and beautiful, yet somewhat secluded, grounds overlooking the city, and is admirably located for such an institution.
DRAKE UNIVERSITY.
This is the youngest of our colleges, and is under the auspices of the Christian denomination. It is located in a beautiful grove in the extreme northwestern portion of the city, and although it is less than. a year since work was commenced on this enterprise, yet there has been erected a fine commodious building called the Student's Home, which is temporarily used for the purposes of the college, besides sev- eral elegant residences for the professors, and a number of other buildings. The foundations of the college building proper are laid, and it is expected this will be ready for occupancy early next fall. This school has been greatly assisted by the generosity of Gen. Drake of Centerville, who gave $20,000 in aid of the enterprise, The plan of the institution contemplates literary, medical, law, business, theo- logical, art and musical courses of study.
PUBLIC SCHOOLS.
The system of dublic instruction in Des Moines is very complete and of a high grade. The school buildings, nine in number, are of the finest order, and would do honor to any large city of the country, and the schools are under the care of able and competent instructors. The number of children of school age is about 8,000. The value of school property is about $550,000. Men of broad and liberal views compose the board of education, and to them is due, in no small de- gree, the prosperity of our schools.
PRIVATE SCHOOLS.
Besides our public schools, we have a number of private institu- tions of learning, among which are St. Francis and St. Mary's, (Catho- lic) both largely attended, and possessing excellent school buildings centrally located.
BUSINESS COLLEGES.
These institutions impart instruction in book keeping, penmanship, business arithmetic and law, telegraphy, stenography, and those branches which especially prepare young men and women for active business life. The knowledge obtained in these schools is not alone theoretical, but practical as well, fitting the student for
the busy scenes of real life, and putting this knowledge to use as fast as it is acquired.
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MUSIC SCHOOLS.
The advantages offered by our music schpols for the acquirement of a thorough musical education, are unsurpassed in the west, and whether the student is desirous of obtaining a theoretical or practical knowledge of music, instrumental or vocal; the instructors in these schools are fully competent to impart the information desired. These institutions are all in pleasant and accessible locations, and are large- ly attended by advanced pupils, as well as those commencing the study of music.
PUBLIC LIBRARIES
One of the most beneficial and complete sources of entertainment, progress and culture, is afforded by the libraries of the city. 'Here we have our celebrated State Library, which ranks fifth in size and importance among the law libraries of the Union, The scientific, historical, fiction, biographical and record departments are also well filled. We Have also a well selected city library, containing about 4,000 volumes, in addition to which is kept a file of the leading monthly and weekly magazines, and our city publications, all of which is freelto the use of the public. The State Arsenal contains the Record Library for Iowa of the wars of the United States, which are for public reference.
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ISOCIETIES AND ORDERS.
It is a source of satisfaction to the citizens of Des Moines, that the visitor, from abroad, it matters nut (rom what portion of the world he comes, may find among the various benevolent and social organizations in the city, some one to extend the Hand of welcome, and express a fraternal interest in the stranger. These various societies and orders are numerous, and most of them are strong in numbers and influence.
TELEGRAPH COMPANIES.
The industries off Des Moines, which have made such remarkable system of tele.' progress in the last few years, demand an extensive graphic communication, which is furnished by the. Western Union ' Telegraph Company, giving us direct communication with the oceanic ·cables, and through them with all portions of the world.
TELEPHONE EXCHANGE. 1
In these days of rapid transit and expeditious transaction of busi- ness, the telegraph has been supplemented with the telephone, so 1 that business men are enabled to hold personal conversationjalthough widely separated. Des Moines was not slow to recognize the benefits
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; to be derived from this invention, and fier telephone system is excel- lent, having in use the Bell instruments.
SIGNAL SERVICE. '
The United States Signal Service established a station in, Des. Moines, August 1, 1878. Five observations are taken daily, and re- ported to Washington by telegraph, from which, together with the reports received from other stations, of which there are one hundred and thirty-five, indications and predictions of the weather are made for the next twenty-four hours. The Des Moines station is one of seventeen printing signal stations in the United States, and has been of especial benefit to residents of this locality.' This station is under the management of a thoroughly competent officer, who is fully in- formed on all matters pertaining to the weather.
STREET RAILWAY.
Des Moines has an excellent street railway,, well equipped and thanaged. . Last year the track was extended about two miles, while the present year vill witness an equal extension, jwith the addition of several new cars to the number now upon the line. The present season, it is the intention of the company to remove the western terminus north through Brown's Addition, thence west to Cottage Grove; and the eastern terminus about a mile east of the new capitol Building; also a line directly westward to Brown's Park and the State Fair grounds is projected:
WATER AND GAŞ.
Des Moines uses the Holly system of water works, and the Rac- coon river from which the water is taken, is soft and pure. The water company contemplate extensive improvements to the works, during the coming year, involving an outlay of many thousands of dollars. Of the gas works it is only necessary to state, that they are first class, and amply supply the demand, with gas of excellent qual-, ity. The lights upon the streets are numerous, and are kept in good condition.
HOSPITAL.
We have in our city an institution known as the Cottage Hospital, where any one who is sick or disabled and who needs assistance may receive from kind and experienced persons , the care and attention. required. This benevolent enterprise has been sustained heretofore, through the generosity of our citizens, and the medical treatment has been furnished by the members of the Polk County Medical Society,
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